The majority of Germans want a motorway speed limit and environmental groups say it would help cut emissions. But are their arguments strong enough to convince those opposed to slower speeds on the Autobahn? Germany's motorways, internationally famed for their high speeds, are currently the subject of heated political debate. The topic has long been divisive in the country. In 1973, the introduction of a 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) speed limit in response to surging petrol prices during the oil crisis caused widespread outrage for the few months it was implemented. Germany's ADAC automotive club protested against the measure. Since then, various attempts to introduce a general speed limit have failed. But now more than half of Germans — including ADAC members — support a speed limit. Yet it remains a polarizing issue and faces stiff opposition. Bavaria's Christian Social Union (CSU) party has even launched a petition against it. Motorway speed limits (almost) everywhere — except in Germany Certain stretches of Germany's Autobahn do have speed limits, but this applies to only 30% of the motorways. For the speed-unrestricted streches, the government recommends a voluntary top speed of 130 kilometers per hour, but drivers are free to go as fast as they want. Speeding on German motorways is even advertised as a tourist attraction by sports car rental companies. What are the benefits of a speed limit? The slower a vehicle drives, the less fuel it consumes. This means it also emits less pollutants, such as climate-damaging carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. A speed limit of 120 kilometers per hour on motorways would save 4.5 million tons of CO2 equivalent and equate to a 2.9% drop in emissions compared to 2018 levels, according to   calculations by the German Environment Agency, or UBA.They estimate this could increase to saving 6.7 million tons and 4.2% of emissions if a speed limit also encouraged people to switch to taking trains, choose shorter routes or even forgo certain journeys altogether. And if the speed limit on states road was reduced from 100 kilometers per hour to 80, this could save up to eight million ton of CO2 equivalent. Proponents also argue a limit would lead to fewer accidents as traveling slower reduces a car's braking distance. It would also cut noise pollution, because driving at 100 kilometers per hour is around half as loud as at 130 kilometers per hour. They also highlight it would allow more cars to be on the road simultaneously and therefore help ease traffic jams, particularly if cars went at 100 kilometers per hour or less. What are the arguments against a speed limit? According to an analysis from the German Economic Institute, 77% of people on German motorways already voluntarily drive slower than 130 kilometers per hour.  However, men, as well as those under 24 and frequent drivers (people clocking up over 50,000 kilometers per year), were more likely to be against speed limits, citing concerns about more traffic jams and longer journey times, according to a survey by Allianz insurance.  How many accidents could be avoided by the speed limit on German motorways is not fully clear. According to the ADAC, Germany doesn't have more serious accidents on their motorways than in countries with a speed limit. If you compare the number of fatalities per motorway kilometer driven, France, the United States and the Czech Republic saw more fatalities than in Germany in 2020. However, in absolute figures, Germany had the highest number in 2020, with 317 deaths on the Autobahn.  Who supports a speed limit in Germany? Environmental organizations are calling for a speed limit, as are the police union in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the German Road Accident Victim Support Association. They also support reducing the speed limit on state roads to 80 kilometers per hour, a move the insurance industry believes would help increase safety. Among political parties, it has received the support of the Greens, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and The Left Party. More than half of Germans are now behind a speed limit. 

As visitor numbers swell, Japan's highest and most iconic mountain has seen trash problems and more injuries among inexperienced and poorly equipped climbers. With the limited facilities on the summit already at breaking point, rubbish piling up and concern over rising numbers of injuries, the local government that oversees one of the most popular hiking routes to the top of Japan's iconic Mount Fuji is imposing a toll and a daily cap on the number of climbers.    Yamanashi prefectural government announced in late December that a limit of 4,000 climbers per day would be introduced on the popular Yoshida Trail, on the northern flank of the mountain, at the start of the 70-day summer climbing season on July 1.   Announcing the plan, Governor Kotaro Nagasaki told a press conference on December 20 that several additional regulations would also be imposed, including not permitting more climbers to set off from the start of the trail between 4 p.m. and 2 a.m. and the introduction of a toll to help cover the cost of maintaining hiking routes and the construction of shelters to be used in the event of an eruption.     The cost of using the Yoshida Trail is likely to be set in February, the Asahi newspaper quoted the governor as saying.    Congested trails "This is a measure to alleviate congestion on the trail, as previous surveys have shown that excessive crowding occurs near the summit when the number of climbers exceeds 4,000," he said.   The plans have the broad support of guiding organizations and other groups dedicated to preserving the environment of the 3,776-meter (12,388-foot) volcano, which is still revered in Japan as a symbol of the nation and was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2013.  "Limiting the number of climbers is both good and bad," said Tatsuo Nanai, secretary general of the Fuji-san Club, a non-profit organization set up to protect the mountain and educate visitors.   "Introducing a limit on the number of climbers and charging them may put some people off coming here, and that could damage the local economy, but on the other hand, there are a number of problems that need to be solved before they become much worse," he told DW. "One big problem is the rubbish people leave behind," he added. "We have signs up asking people to take their waste with them when they go, but not everyone does. So that means organizations such as ours spend time there picking up trash." There is also only a very limited number of public toilets on the mountain, Nanai said, with deposits of human waste also building up.  He also believes that the authorities are correct to be worried about the possibility of hikers being injured — or worse — on the peak.   Safety fears  "Mount Fuji can be very dangerous. I don't think most people realize just how dangerous it can be," he said. "This is the highest peak in Japan and, at the highest elevations, people can feel the effects of oxygen deprivation and altitude sickness."  Equally, many people start climbing at an altitude where the heat and humidity of a Japanese summer are still very much being felt and do not realize the changes that are in store as they climb higher. There are regular reports of people starting out in beach sandals, shorts and T-shirts and finding themselves in danger when temperatures dip below freezing and powerful winds howl across the barren slopes of the mountain.   Luke Cummings, joint owner of Fuji Mountain Guides, agrees that Mount Fuji can be unforgiving.   "A couple of years ago there was a rock fall close to the peak and a climber was killed and I guess there are fatalities every couple of years, often an older person suffering a heart attack," he said.   The authorities are hoping to stamp out what is termed "bullet climbing," said Cummings, who has guided groups to the top of Mount Fuji well over 100 times.   Bullet climbers typically set out in the late afternoon or early evening and climb through the night, not stopping to rest at any of the huts provided to offer respite from the weather and enable climbers to sleep for a couple of hours.   They aim to reach the peak shortly before sunrise, although getting the timing right is notoriously difficult, Cummings said. For those who arrive too early, there is no shelter and temperatures are well below freezing. Climbers approaching the peak late often get caught in a crush of people trying to complete the route before the sun appears. Both situations are potentially dangerous, he said.   A total of 221,322 people climbed Mount Fuji in the summer of 2023, of whom 137,236 spent around six hours climbing the Yoshida Trail, with the others utilizing three less congested trails.    "The Yoshida Trail is the most popular route and this is why the prefectural government is looking into limiting numbers," said Cummings. "If it results in better facilities on the routes then I think it will be a good thing. It is likely that the prefectures that host the other trails to the top will introduce similar systems in the future as well."

Bangladesh has given 156 runs to Afghanistan in their World Cup opener. Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took three wickets each. Bangladesh chose to bowl first and secured the initial breakthrough after 8.2 overs. Although Afghan provided a fantastic start, Shakib's delivery dismantled Zadran for 22 After crossing the 100-run mark, Afghanistan's wickets went regularly. Afghanistan's highest scorer is Rahmanullah with 47 runs before falling to Mustafizur Rahman.

The Indian government has set an emission limit of two-kilogram carbon dioxide for every kilogram of hydrogen produced to be classified as “green” from renewable sources, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said on Saturday. It said its notification would bring widely awaited clarity for green hydrogen production in India. “With this notification, India becomes one of the first few countries in the world to announce a definition of Green Hydrogen,” the ministry said in the statement detailing what emissions would be accounted for. India wants to become a global hub for the production of green hydrogen and is aiming for annual production of 5 million tons of fuel by 2030, which would cut about 50 million metric tons of carbon emissions and save more than $12 billion on fossil fuel imports. It is an ambitious plan for a country whose hydrogen consumed is currently produced mostly with fossil fuels. While hydrogen fuel only emits water when used as fuel, it is made by electrolysis plants that split water molecules. At issue is what energy is used to produce it and the carbon emissions involved in the process. Earlier this year, officials told Reuters India, which holds the rotating G20 presidency this year, suggested a 1 kg CO2 emissions limit for green hydrogen, half of the threshold announced on Saturday. Although first production is expected only in 2026, India has been negotiating bilateral agreements with the European Union, Japan and other countries to start exporting the fuel. Source: Arabnews

Water of 12 rivers at Barishal Division in Bangladesh have risen above danger level. Deputy Assistant Engineer of Barisal Water Development Board Tajul Islam confirmed the matter on Wednesday, August 2. He said, "Although the water level of the river has increased, but there is no chances for flooding. It is a normal conditions for the season." Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) officials said, The water of Kirtankhola river is flowing 10.15 cm above danger level. The water of Dharmaganj river is above 10.36 cm. Bishkhali river in Jhalkathi is above of 10 cm, Bishkhali river is above 10.31 cm. 0.64 cm above of Surma and Meghna rivers of Daulatkhan upazila of Bhola. Tajul Islam said that the water flow of 19 rivers of the division monitored during the monsoon season. According to Wednesday's report, water from 12 rivers is flowing over the boundary in 24 hours.

The entry level age limit for public services is not increased. The proposal placed in the parliament by independent MP Md. Rezaul Karim (Bogura-7) to turn age limit 35 years for public services was rejected on Thursday. He placed the proposal after writing- the entry level age limit for public services should be turned to 35 years. In this perspective taking floor State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain said, country’s law and order situation is very good at the moment. So the youths of the country can complete their master degree within 22-23 years. So they are getting 7 years for entering in services. These seven years are enough for entry. The government thinks that considering the overall situation the entry level age and age for retirement are logical. He said, after the independence considering the situation the entry level age limit was made 27 from 25 and then it was made 30. If it is done 35 then pension related complexities will be created. The State Minister requested for withdrawing the proposal but the concerned MP did not withdraw. Placing the proposal Rezaul Karim said, in 155 countries out of 192 the entry level age limit is 55 to 59. Now there are more than 28 lakh educated jobless persons in the country. After not getting job many youths are being engaged in crimes or drugs. Considering their future the entry level age limit for public services should be made 35. Later when Deputy Speaker Advocate Md. Fazle Rabbi Mia placed the proposal for vote and it was rejected in the voice vote. AH          

The government has issued MPO guidelines fixing the age limit 35 years for the teaching profession in private educational institutions (schools and colleges). It also kept opportunities for transfer of teachers and officials in the guidelines. The guideline was published on the website of education ministry on Thursday which was signed on June 12. It said, the age limit for teachers and officials in private educational institutions will be 35 years. But the index holders’ age limit will be relaxed for appointment in the same or higher post. The salaries provided from government part (MPO) will be given until 60 years of the teachers and officials and no reappointment or contractual appointment will be given after crossing the age of 60 years. The new guideline said, from now the MPO affiliated teachers can be transferred from one to other institution. The details are mentioned in the guideline. It also said, the teachers and officials will get higher grade salary after passing ten years tenure of satisfactory performance. They will get it after six year in the same manner. But they will not get more than two higher grade salary or time scale in their professional life. Secondary and higher education division joint secretary (secondary) Salma Jahan said, application will be received for MPO affiliation after the Eid. After verification the permission will be given. AH

The government will continue the existing tax-free income limit in the financial year 2018-19. Finance minister AMA Muhith made the proposal Thursday while placing the national budget in the Jatiya Sangsad. Reports BSS. “I proposed that the tax exemption threshold and tax rate remain unchanged for the next year except that the threshold for a parent or guardian of a person with disability will be higher by Taka 50 thousand for each of such child or dependent, he said in his budget speech. The existing tax exemption threshold is Taka 2,50,000 in general cases. But the threshold was higher for special classes of taxpayers including female taxpayers. Explaining the reasons of not changing the tax exemption limit, Muhith said in developed countries, tax exemption threshold is generally less than 25 percent of per capita GDP, and in developing countries it is mostly equal to per capita GDP. In Bangladesh, he said, tax exemption threshold is almost 200 percent of per capita GDP. “That means our tax exemption threshold is high in global comparison. Moreover, the increase of tax exemption threshold puts a significant number of taxpayers out of the tax net,” he added. The existing tax exemption for the female taxpayers and senior citizens aged over 65 years is Taka 300,000. Existing minimum tax for a taxpayer, except company taxpayer, residing in Dhaka North City Corporation, Dhaka South City Corporation and ChittagongCity Corporation is Taka 5 thousand, residing in any other city corporation is Taka 4 thousand, and residing in other area is Taka 3 thousand. Muhith also proposed these rates to remain unchanged. AH

Xi Jinping was reappointed Saturday as China's president with no limit on the number of terms he can serve. The National People's Congress, China's rubber-stamp legislature, also appointed close Xi ally Wang Qishan to the formerly ceremonial post of vice president. At the Great Hall of the People, Xi, Wang and other officials took turns stepping to the lectern to place their left hands on the constitution and raise their right fists as they delivered an oath swearing loyalty to the constitution, the motherland and the people. Reports AP. Xi, 64, is considered the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong and last Sunday was given the right to continue in office indefinitely after the legislature scrapped term limits for the president and vice president. Chinese officials defended the move saying it would bring the presidency in-line with Xi's other two main positons of head of the ruling Communist Party and commander of the armed forces. Critics say the move overturning a push to institutionalize China's ruling practices dating from 1982 will likely lead to increased political repression and possible infighting among party factions seeking to promote their own candidates within the closed system. Xi took office as president in 2013 and hasn't said how many additional five-year terms he intends to serve. State media has said the removal of term limits will not alter conditions for retirement or create a president in perpetuity, but has offered no details. Xi is expected to expand his years long campaign against corruption within the party to include all state employees through the creation of a new National Supervisory Commission, while continuing to pursue a muscular foreign policy and policies to upgrade the slowing economy. AH