![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaBogota begins water rationing amid severe droughtPublished34 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsClimateImage source, ReutersBy Max MatzaBBC NewsAbout ten million residents of the Colombian capital Bogota are being forced to ration water amid crippling shortages due to a severe drought.It comes as the El Niño climate phenomenon pushes reservoir levels to their lowest point in decades. Officials have split the region around the capital into nine zones – each zone taking turns to switch off water services for 24 hours. Hospitals and schools are exempt. The city’s mayor called the situation dire. Restrictions announced earlier in the week came into force on Thursday. Authorities will reassess the situation every two weeks under the rationing plan. “Let’s not waste a drop of water in Bogota at this time,” Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán said in a press conference to announce the measure.”That will help us so that these restrictions can be lifted more quickly or reduced,” he continued.Image source, ReutersA lack of rain and unusual heat has seen Colombia’s reservoirs dry up at an alarming rate. The Chuza reservoir, part of the system which provides around 70% of the city’s water, is at less than 17% capacity.The mayor said this was the lowest point in 40 years. Colombian President Gustavo Petro took to Twitter/X on Thursday to say he had ordered “a substantial change” to protect water resources over the next 30 years. He also warned against “unhindered urbanisation” and criticised the “pillaging” of natural aquifers by the agriculture and construction industries. Meanwhile, residents are cutting down on their water usage. “There are things we can no longer do, like washing the car,” Clara Escobar, who lives in the city’s suburbs, told AFP news agency.”We shower less” and “we wash clothes [only] when necessary”, she said.Experts have tied the issue, in part, to the current El Niño period, in which global temperatures typically increase.Mexico City and Uruguay’s capital Montevideo have also faced water shortages in recent years.Climate change has also been deemed a major driver of drought, as well as rapid urbanisation and poor infrastructure.Not all droughts are due to climate change but excess heat in the atmosphere is drawing more moisture out of the earth and making droughts worse. The world has already warmed by about 1.2C since since the industrial era began and temperatures will keep rising unless governments around the world make steep cuts to emissions.Record hot March sparks ‘uncharted territory’ fearImage source, Getty ImagesImage source, ReutersRelated TopicsDroughtEl NiñoClimateSevere weatherColombiaMore on this storyRecord hot March sparks ‘uncharted territory’ fearPublished2 days agoTop StoriesOJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 76Published28 minutes agoUnpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousandsPublished2 hours agoUK food production at threat after extreme floodingPublished1 hour agoFeaturesObituary: The spectacular fall of NFL star OJ SimpsonListen: Americast – The life and death of OJ SimpsonAttributionSoundsThe Papers: Trident ‘safe in Labour’s hands’ and OJ dead at 76Suicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?India election: What is at stake in the world’s biggest poll?Bowen: Israel denies famine looms in Gaza, but evidence is overwhelmingHow gang violence gripped a tourist havenElsewhere on the BBCShould you be worried about getting enough protein?Dr Julia Ravey and Dr Ella Hubber unpick this macronutrient to find out what it does in our bodiesAttributionSounds’I’m not difficult… I just cannot take mediocrity’Explore the meteoric rise to fame and troubled personal life of the comedy pioneer Peter SellersAttributioniPlayer’I was freaking out, I knew I was in trouble’How did Australian Holly Deane-Johns end up in a notorious Thai prison?AttributionSoundsUnearthing the fascinating stories of our ancestorsBritain’s Biggest Dig gives a glimpse into the life of the rich and poor of Georgian LondonAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Harry Kane says children ‘fine’ after car crash2Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands3Trident ‘safe in Labour’s hands’ and OJ dead at 764OJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 765UK food production at threat after extreme flooding6Gang culture at neurosurgery department, doctor alleges7Mother heartbroken over daughter’s stabbing death8NHS spring Covid booster jab bookings to open9David Cameron heads to Brussels for Gibraltar talks10Postmistress jailed while pregnant rejects ex-Post Office boss’ apology](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/A084/production/_133129014_2fb996e158a74e7e589d8ffa9bc3d0133f01c2890_0_5500_36691000x667.jpg)
newsinsightplus.com
- 1.2C
- 764OJ
- April 12, 2024
- 0 Comments
BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaBogota begins water rationing amid severe droughtPublished34 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsClimateImage source, ReutersBy Max MatzaBBC NewsAbout ten million residents of the Colombian capital Bogota are being forced to ration water amid crippling shortages due to a severe drought.It comes as the El Niño climate phenomenon pushes reservoir levels to their lowest point in decades. Officials have split the region around the capital into nine zones – each zone taking turns to switch off water services for 24 hours. Hospitals and schools are exempt. The city’s mayor called the situation dire. Restrictions announced earlier in the week came into force on Thursday. Authorities will reassess the situation every two weeks under the rationing plan. “Let’s not waste a drop of water in Bogota at this time,” Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán said in a press conference to announce the measure.”That will help us so that these restrictions can be lifted more quickly or reduced,” he continued.Image source, ReutersA lack of rain and unusual heat has seen Colombia’s reservoirs dry up at an alarming rate. The Chuza reservoir, part of the system which provides around 70% of the city’s water, is at less than 17% capacity.The mayor said this was the lowest point in 40 years. Colombian President Gustavo Petro took to Twitter/X on Thursday to say he had ordered “a substantial change” to protect water resources over the next 30 years. He also warned against “unhindered urbanisation” and criticised the “pillaging” of natural aquifers by the agriculture and construction industries. Meanwhile, residents are cutting down on their water usage. “There are things we can no longer do, like washing the car,” Clara Escobar, who lives in the city’s suburbs, told AFP news agency.”We shower less” and “we wash clothes [only] when necessary”, she said.Experts have tied the issue, in part, to the current El Niño period, in which global temperatures typically increase.Mexico City and Uruguay’s capital Montevideo have also faced water shortages in recent years.Climate change has also been deemed a major driver of drought, as well as rapid urbanisation and poor infrastructure.Not all droughts are due to climate change but excess heat in the atmosphere is drawing more moisture out of the earth and making droughts worse. The world has already warmed by about 1.2C since since the industrial era began and temperatures will keep rising unless governments around the world make steep cuts to emissions.Record hot March sparks ‘uncharted territory’ fearImage source, Getty ImagesImage source, ReutersRelated TopicsDroughtEl NiñoClimateSevere weatherColombiaMore on this storyRecord hot March sparks ‘uncharted territory’ fearPublished2 days agoTop StoriesOJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 76Published28 minutes agoUnpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousandsPublished2 hours agoUK food production at threat after extreme floodingPublished1 hour agoFeaturesObituary: The spectacular fall of NFL star OJ SimpsonListen: Americast – The life and death of OJ SimpsonAttributionSoundsThe Papers: Trident ‘safe in Labour’s hands’ and OJ dead at 76Suicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?India election: What is at stake in the world’s biggest poll?Bowen: Israel denies famine looms in Gaza, but evidence is overwhelmingHow gang violence gripped a tourist havenElsewhere on the BBCShould you be worried about getting enough protein?Dr Julia Ravey and Dr Ella Hubber unpick this macronutrient to find out what it does in our bodiesAttributionSounds’I’m not difficult… I just cannot take mediocrity’Explore the meteoric rise to fame and troubled personal life of the comedy pioneer Peter SellersAttributioniPlayer’I was freaking out, I knew I was in trouble’How did Australian Holly Deane-Johns end up in a notorious Thai prison?AttributionSoundsUnearthing the fascinating stories of our ancestorsBritain’s Biggest Dig gives a glimpse into the life of the rich and poor of Georgian LondonAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Harry Kane says children ‘fine’ after car crash2Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands3Trident ‘safe in Labour’s hands’ and OJ dead at 764OJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 765UK food production at threat after extreme flooding6Gang culture at neurosurgery department, doctor alleges7Mother heartbroken over daughter’s stabbing death8NHS spring Covid booster jab bookings to open9David Cameron heads to Brussels for Gibraltar talks10Postmistress jailed while pregnant rejects ex-Post Office boss’ apology
[ad_1] The reservoir that provides around 70% of water in Colombia’s capital is at less than 17% capacity.
![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaSuicide is on the rise for young Americans, with no clear answersPublished2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage caption, A button featuring Ben SalasBy Will VernonBBC News, North CarolinaWarning: contains upsetting material.Katherine and Tony Salas had no idea their son, Ben, was leading a double life.”In one, he was planning his suicide,” Tony says.”And in the other life, he was shopping for engagement rings.””I wish he would have given us the chance to help him,” says Katherine, her voice breaking.”That was the hardest part – I had no way of talking him through it.”Twenty-one-year-old Ben Salas took his own life last April. He was a promising criminology student at North Carolina State University and an aspiring Olympic athlete. He had many friends, a stable relationship and a loving family.His death was one of 50,000 suicides registered in the US last year – the largest number ever recorded. In second place: 2022, which saw 49,449 suicides. Crippled with grief, Tony and Katherine have created a “memory wall” to Ben in their front room. His university diploma, awarded posthumously, hangs at the top.”He was a good all-round person,” Tony says. “There’s a huge hole in our souls. A part of us is missing.”Image caption, Katherine and Tony Salas saw no warning signsBut why did Ben kill himself? That’s the question the Salas family is struggling to answer.Ben’s parents say their son briefly received treatment for mild depression in 2020, but subsequently reassured them that he had fully recovered.”There weren’t any of the typical indicators that you would expect in a kid that was continuing to struggle mentally. He wasn’t withdrawn,” says Tony.Ben was close to his parents, speaking to them often. Tony called his son shortly before he died.”He said ‘I’m okay. I’m good.’ And then a couple of hours after that he was gone.”North Carolina State University has recently been sent reeling by a series of suicides. In the previous academic year, seven students, including Ben, took their own lives. So far this academic year, there have been three suicides, including one at the end of January.The high number of suicides has been very difficult on staff and students alike, says Assistant Vice-Chancellor Justine Hollingshead, who is based at NC State’s sprawling campus in the centre of Raleigh, North Carolina. She says suicide is a “national epidemic” in the United States that isn’t limited to just college campuses.”If we knew the reason, we would solve the problem. It’s not something that we’re trying to avoid or not figure out. But there may be no warning signs: individuals don’t tell their family or friends, they don’t reach out to resources and they make that decision. And we’ll likely never know why.”NC State has increased the number of counsellors and drop-in spaces, and introduced a system called “QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer” so that students can recognise the signs that friends or classmates are struggling and get them help. Staff are trained to refer students who habitually skip lectures or request extensions to deadlines – in case these, too, are signs that something isn’t right.”I feel like we’re doing the very best we can in unimaginable circumstances,” Ms Hollingshead says.”Last year it was a case of get through and survive, provide support and hope that you can save a life.”Image caption, NC State is asking students to “Question, Persuade, Refer”Raleigh is known as “the City of Oaks” and NC State’s red-brick university buildings are nestled among them. The student union, known as Talley, is a multi-storey beehive of cafes, study areas and shops.”I was in the dorm of the first one that happened.” says one student, Lorelai. “I think a lot of kids our age have anxiety about the world. There are constant things that aren’t getting better, and life is expensive.”Brody, a computer science student, says he’s aware of the help available from emails the university sends out frequently. “They’re putting more of an emphasis on mental health problems,” he says.Other universities, across many different states, are experiencing a similar trend. And suicide is now the second-leading cause of death among Americans under the age of 35, according to the Centers for Disease Control, America’s health protection agency.The Covid pandemic could be a contributing factor, says Dr Christine Crawford, a psychiatrist and associate medical director at the National Alliance on Mental Illness.”It caused this significant hit on our young people in terms of acquiring the social skills and tools that they need,” she says. “They were at home, they were disconnected from their peers and from the elements that are so critical for healthy development in a young person.”Young people who spend a lot of time “wrapped up” in their gadgets are constantly bombarded with images of war and polarising political messages, which can lead to anxiety and depression, according to Dr Crawford.In December 2021, the US surgeon general issued a rare public health advisory on the rising number of youth attempting suicide, singling out social media and the pandemic, which had “exacerbated the unprecedented stresses young people already faced”.Calls to 988, a national suicide helpline with more than 200 centres across the US, increased by 100,000 per month in the last year alone.One centre in the state of Maryland is currently expanding its staff from the 150 operators who already work there.Operator Josue Melendez says many calls come from younger males, starting at age 15 and going up to 35 or 40, and university students. “The stress of having to pay for [university], the economy as well, all that can be stressful for one person to take in,” he says.Image caption, The parents of Ben Salas have created a memory wallBack at the Salas family home, Katherine agrees young people are struggling with financial pressures.”Every safety net that past generations had has been taken away. I think that a lot of young people feel very insecure about what their future holds for them,” she says.She wears a badge pinned to her top featuring a picture of her son and the words “You Matter”.”I wear it every day, over my heart, because that’s where Ben is,” she says, fighting back tears. They want to raise awareness about “something that he didn’t have control over – depression”.Mental illness is stigmatised in the US, they both say.”We need more people to talk about it,” says Tony. “If it can happen to us, then it can happen to somebody else.”Katherine agrees: “Don’t settle for ‘I’m OK.’ An ‘OK’ may be an OK, but a lot of times it’s not.”If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story you can visit BBC Action Line. Help and support outside the UK can be found at Befrienders Worldwide or you can call the US Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988.Related TopicsSuicide preventionNorth CarolinaMental healthUnited StatesTop StoriesOJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 76Published3 hours agoUnpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousandsPublished1 hour agoUK food production at threat after extreme floodingPublished41 minutes agoFeaturesObituary: The spectacular fall of NFL star OJ SimpsonListen: Americast – The life and death of OJ SimpsonAttributionSoundsThe Papers: Trident ‘safe in Labour’s hands’ and OJ dead at 76Suicide is on the rise for young Americans. Why?’I survived the ferry disaster – but lost 17 of my family’Weekly quiz: How did ‘Hardest Geezer’ celebrate the end of his Africa run?India election: What is at stake in the world’s biggest poll?Bowen: Israel denies famine looms in Gaza, but evidence is overwhelmingHow gang violence gripped a tourist havenElsewhere on the BBCShould you be worried about getting enough protein?Dr Julia Ravey and Dr Ella Hubber unpick this macronutrient to find out what it does in our bodiesAttributionSounds’I’m not difficult… I just cannot take mediocrity’Explore the meteoric rise to fame and troubled personal life of the comedy pioneer Peter SellersAttributioniPlayer’I was freaking out, I knew I was in trouble’How did Australian Holly Deane-Johns end up in a notorious Thai prison?AttributionSoundsUnearthing the fascinating stories of our ancestorsBritain’s Biggest Dig gives a glimpse into the life of the rich and poor of Georgian LondonAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Harry Kane says children ‘fine’ after car crash2Unpaid carers shocked at having to repay thousands3OJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 764David Cameron heads to Brussels for Gibraltar talks5Gang culture at neurosurgery department, doctor alleges6Mother heartbroken over daughter’s stabbing death7UK food production at threat after extreme flooding8NHS spring Covid booster jab bookings to open9Postmistress jailed while pregnant rejects ex-Post Office boss’ apology10Man in court over murder of wife as she pushed pram](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/145B5/production/_133118338_badge.jpg){kind=icon}
![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaOhtani interpreter charged with stealing over $16m from baseball starPublished1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ippei Mizuhara had been a constant companion of Shohei Ohtani since the baseball star began his stint in the USBy Max MatzaBBC NewsUS officials have charged baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani’s long-time interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, with stealing millions from the sports star.The lead prosecutor in California accused Mr Mizhuara of impersonating Mr Ohtani to banks and to place wagers. “Mr Ohtani is considered a victim in this case,” US Attorney Martin Estrada told reporters at a news conference in Los Angeles on Thursday. Mr Mizuhara, 39, was fired last month as news of the alleged theft emerged. Prosecutors claim that the interpreter used Mr Ohtani’s money to place bets and deposited his winnings into an account that he controlled. Between November 2021 and January 2024, officials said he wired more than $16m (£13m) in unauthorised transfers from Mr Ohtani’s account. “Mr Mizuhara did all this to feed his insatiable appetite for illegal sports gambling,” Mr Estrada said.The charging document alleges that Mr Mizuhara, who acted as Mr Ohtani’s de facto manager, took advantage of the fact that the Japanese sports star does not speak English.It said he called bank officials and “falsely identified himself as [Mr] Ohtani to trick employees into authorizing wire transfers from [Mr] Ohtani’s bank account to associates of the illegal gambling operation”.From January to March 2024, Mr Mizuhara also allegedly purchased $325,000 in baseball cards using money taken from Mr Ohtani’s account.An LA-based defence lawyer representing Mr Mizuhara declined to comment on the charges on Thursday.Last week, Mr Ohtani sat for an interview with prosecutors and denied that he allowed the interpreter access to his finances.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Ohtani says he’s ‘sad and shocked’ after theft claims surrounding interpreter”[Mr] Ohtani provided his cellphone to law enforcement, who determined that there was no evidence to suggest that [Mr] Ohtani was aware of, or involved in, [Mr] Mizuhara’s illegal gambling activity or payment of those debts,” according to the prosecutor’s statement.The criminal charge of bank fraud carries a sentence of 30 years in federal prison. The New York Times reports he is negotiating a plea deal with prosecutors. Sports betting is legal in 38 states in America but it remains illegal in California.Major League Baseball has its own policy that bans “any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee” from betting on baseball games and placing bets with illegal bookmakers.Mr Estrada on Thursday told reporters that there is no evidence to suggest that Mr Mizuhara placed any bets on baseball games. Ohtani signed a record 10-year, $700m contract with the Dodgers before this season, becoming the face of the sports franchise. He had just won his second unanimous American League MVP award.His stint in the US started in 2018, and Mr Mizuhara had been a constant companion. He and his wife were recently seen in a picture that revealed Mr Ohtani’s wife, Mamiko Tanaka, after weeks of speculation.Last month, Mr Ohtani told reporters at an LA Dodgers news conference: “I’m very saddened and shocked that someone who I trusted has done this.”Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has told lies,” he said, speaking with the help of a different interpreter.Related TopicsInternational BusinessSports bettingJapanUnited StatesMore on this storyShohei Ohtani’s interpreter fired by LA DodgersPublished21 MarchOhtani ‘shocked’ after theft claims surrounding interpreter. Video, 00:01:15Ohtani ‘shocked’ after theft claims surrounding interpreterPublished25 March1:15How $700m ‘Shotime’ became Japan’s biggest baseball exportPublished10 December 2023Japanese baseball star unveils new wife’s identityPublished15 MarchFan frenzy as Shohei Ohtani makes Dodgers debutPublished20 MarchTop StoriesOJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 76Published9 minutes agoPostmistress jailed while pregnant rejects ex-Post Office boss’ apologyPublished5 hours agoKey power plant near Kyiv destroyed by Russian strikesPublished1 hour agoFeaturesObituary: The spectacular fall of NFL star OJ SimpsonListen: Americast – The life and death of OJ SimpsonAttributionSoundsBowen: Israel denies famine looms in Gaza, but evidence is overwhelmingHow gang violence gripped a tourist havenNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’What is the minimum salary UK visa applicants need?UK weather: Is it turning warmer?AttributionWeatherWas South Korea’s president thwarted by a spring onion?Listen: How will Labour plug the gap in NHS funding?AttributionSoundsElsewhere on the BBCShould you be worried about getting enough protein?Dr Julia Ravey and Dr Ella Hubber unpick this macronutrient to find out what it does in our bodiesAttributionSounds’I’m not difficult… I just cannot take mediocrity’Explore the meteoric rise to fame and troubled personal life of the comedy pioneer Peter SellersAttributioniPlayer’I was freaking out, I knew I was in trouble’How did Australian Holly Deane-Johns end up in a notorious Thai prison?AttributionSoundsUnearthing the fascinating stories of our ancestorsBritain’s Biggest Dig gives a glimpse into the life of the rich and poor of Georgian LondonAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Man in court over murder of wife as she pushed pram2OJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 763Postmistress jailed while pregnant rejects ex-Post Office boss’ apology4Dazzling artwork found at ancient city of Pompeii5Gang culture at neurosurgery department, doctor alleges6Stormy conditions turn sea pink7Key power plant near Kyiv destroyed by Russian strikes8Wife died in ‘out of character’ attack by husband with dementia9Taylor Swift’s music returns to TikTok10Donelan’s libel bills cost taxpayers £34,000](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/1668B/production/_132978719_gettyimages-1848361343.jpg)
![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaUkraine war: MPs pass long-awaited conscription lawPublished12 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsWar in UkraineImage source, ReutersImage caption, The law provides for compulsory training for new recruits before they are sent into combatBy Robert GreenallBBC NewsUkraine’s parliament has passed legislation to help mobilise troops to fight invading Russian forces. The measure – adopted after months of wrangling – is aimed at boosting numbers in the military, which is under severe pressure as Russia continues its advances in the east.But a clause aimed at demobilising soldiers after three years was dropped at the army’s request. The president still has to sign the bill into law. Earlier this month, Volodymyr Zelensky approved other measures, including lowering the age of mobilisation by two years, to 25. The new legislation passed on Thursday tightens registration processes and strengthens penalties for draft dodgers. MP Oleksandr Fedienko said, quoted by Reuters, that the bill would send a “message to our partners that we are ready to retake our territory and we need weapons”.Ukraine’s military has been under severe pressure of late, in part due to Russia’s greater manpower. A senior general told MPs before the passing of the bill that Ukrainian forces were outnumbered by Russia by between seven and 10 to one.”We are maintaining our defences with our last strength,” joint forces commander Gen Yuriy Sodol said, quoted by Reuters.”Pass this law and the Ukrainian Armed Forces will not let down you or the Ukrainian people.”A total of 283 MPs voted in favour of the bill, but 49 opposition lawmakers abstained.Ukrainian deserters risk death to escape warUkraine war in maps: Russia makes limited advancesOne of them, Oleksiy Goncharenko, said he could not vote for a bill that excluded demobilisation.”The main question for those serving and those who might be potentially mobilised [is] ‘how long will I serve?’ Without this, I don’t think the law will improve mobilisation,” he said, quoted by the Financial Times.The demobilisation issue will now be considered in a separate bill, parliament officials said.Draconian measures to prevent draft-dodging were also excluded from the latest version of the bill after a public outcry. The main provisions of the bill, which has not yet been published in full, include:Obliging men aged 18-60 to update personal data with the military authorities and carry draft office registration documents at all timesFinancial rewards for volunteersCompulsory training for all new recruits before going into combat, and basic military training for those aged 18-25 (ie below the conscription age)People with convictions serving suspended sentences to be allowed to serve in the armyTracking procedure proposed for men of military age living abroadDriving bans for those who do not comply with the requirements of draft authoritiesThe bill was passed hours after the country was hit by more heavy bombardments by Russia.More than 80 missiles and drones targeted sites across Ukraine, many of them involving energy infrastructure.The Trypillya power plant, a key provider of electricity for three regions including Kyiv, was completely destroyed.Ukraine has been asking Western countries to send more assistance, including ammunition and air defences.But a $60bn US military aid package has been held up for months in Congress.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, BBC documentary shows Ukrainian defence missionRelated TopicsWar in UkraineUkraineMore on this storyKey power plant near Kyiv destroyed by Russian strikesPublished2 hours agoUkraine fires army conscription officials for taking bribesPublished11 August 2023Ukrainian deserters risk death to escape warPublished8 June 2023Ukraine war in maps: Russia makes limited advancesPublished21 FebruaryTop StoriesOJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 76Published1 hour agoLive. OJ Simpson died after ‘battle’ with cancer, family saysKey power plant near Kyiv destroyed by Russian strikesPublished2 hours agoFeatures’It’s everywhere’ – how Hamas attack haunts Israel’s student soldiersHow gang violence gripped a tourist havenNazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’What is the minimum salary UK visa applicants need?Arizona pushes abortion to centre stage of 2024UK weather: Is it turning warmer?AttributionWeatherWas South Korea’s president thwarted by a spring onion?Listen: How will Labour plug the gap in NHS funding?AttributionSoundsThe Indian men traumatised by fighting for RussiaElsewhere on the BBCShould you be worried about getting enough protein?Dr Julia Ravey and Dr Ella Hubber unpick this macronutrient to find out what it does in our bodiesAttributionSounds’I’m not difficult… I just cannot take mediocrity’Explore the meteoric rise to fame and troubled personal life of the comedy pioneer Peter SellersAttributioniPlayer’I was freaking out, I knew I was in trouble’How did Australian Holly Deane-Johns end up in a notorious Thai prison?AttributionSoundsUnearthing the fascinating stories of our ancestorsBritain’s Biggest Dig gives a glimpse into the life of the rich and poor of Georgian LondonAttributioniPlayerMost Read1OJ Simpson, NFL star cleared in ‘trial of the century’, dies aged 762Stormy conditions turn sea pink3Key power plant near Kyiv destroyed by Russian strikes4Donelan’s libel bills cost taxpayers £34,0005Wife died in ‘out of character’ attack by husband with dementia6Dazzling artwork found at ancient city of Pompeii7UK returns looted Ghana artefacts after 150 years8Vietnamese billionaire sentenced to death for $44bn fraud9Nazanin: ‘Freedom is sweet… but it’s not easy’10Hawaiian-born Japan sumo legend Taro Akebono dies](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/13F62/production/_133126718_mediaitem133126713.jpg)
