In a move aimed at supporting the US coal industry, which is seen as expensive and environmentally polluting, US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to purchase electricity generated from coal. According to a report by Al Jazeera, a presidential memo issued on Wednesday directed the Defense Department to enter into long-term agreements with coal-fired power plants and safeguard coal-based energy assets. The memo does not specify the amount of electricity or financial terms.
During a speech to coal industry representatives at the White House, Trump stated that coal plants play a crucial role in keeping homes warm, powering factories, and strengthening the US economy. US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in an interview that Trump’s diet is unusual, as he often consumes fast food, sweets, and diet sodas, and uses a lot of sugar substitutes.
Trump has also announced that the Energy Department will invest $175 million to improve six coal-fired power plants in North Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Virginia. The US coal production has been declining over the past few decades, with a more than 50% decline in production from 2008 to 2023. In 2023, coal accounted for only 16% of the country’s total energy production.
Despite this, Trump is promoting the concept of “beautiful, clean coal.” In recent days, the US Energy Department has ordered at least five coal-fired power plants to continue operating despite being shut down. The Tennessee Valley Authority has also extended the lifespan of two coal-fired power plants that were scheduled to close in 2035.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh is witnessing a national referendum alongside its parliamentary elections. According to initial results, 62% of voters have approved of the proposed amendments. The Saudi government has announced new cabinet appointments, including a new public prosecutor, and several other high-profile appointments and resignations.
In the United Arab Emirates, the government has banned sweets, chocolate, and potato chips from schools. The UAE government has warned citizens to be cautious of fake job advertisements.
In a move to prevent vote-buying during the Bangladeshi elections, police launched a massive crackdown on the outskirts of Mogadishu, a city in northern Somalia. Iran has stated that it will not compromise on its ballistic missile program, even if it means negotiating with the US or facing increased pressure.
In a tragic incident, a son in Bengaluru, India, killed his parents in a domestic dispute. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has fined Afghan cricketer Mohammad Nabi for violating the ICC Code of Conduct.
The UAE has banned sweets, chocolate, and potato chips from schools. The UAE government has warned citizens to be cautious of fake job advertisements.
