Latest news with #Bolivian
NDTV
6 hours ago
- Science
- NDTV
Scientists Shocked As Dolphins Play With Huge Anaconda In The Wild
Researchers in the Amazon rainforest witnessed an incredible scene in which a group of pink river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) played with an unusual partner - a massive anaconda. In August 2021, experts from the Noel Kempff Mercado Museum of Natural History in Bolivia discovered the unbelievable sight, where a pod of Amazon River dolphins, known as botos, were observed interacting with a large anaconda in Bolivia's Tijamuchi River. They published their findings in the journal Ecology last month, showing the interest of dolphins and what their actions exhibited. This bizarre experience offered a unique glimpse into the playful-and sometimes perplexing-behaviours of these enigmatic animals. Although these findings are a boon to biologists, they also raise questions about what was actually happening below the water's surface. According to biologist and team member Steffen Reichle, it was remarkable to observe botos with their heads above the water, and they began taking pictures. Amazon river dolphins are generally vigilant and elusive, and they usually hide under the murky waters of the Amazon basin for most of the day. On this particular occasion, though, the researchers got interested in their abnormal behaviour since it kept coming up. Closer examination revealed that the dolphins were not just coming to the surface to breathe; they were interacting with a giant anaconda. Known as Eunectes beniensis, the Bolivian anaconda appeared to be a source of interest and entertainment for the dolphins, as per the Indian Defence Review. Instead of acting violently or predatorily, the dolphins appeared to playfully interact with the snake, which contradicted established beliefs about how they would behave in the wild. The dolphins appeared to be holding the anaconda in their mouths, swimming in unison in a startling show. This amusing encounter deviates from the usual predator-prey dynamics, challenging preconceptions about the behaviour of both species. The researchers were taken aback by the sight and confirmed that the dolphins were not hunting or trying to hurt the snake. Rather, they were participating in what psychologists would subsequently refer to as "playful behaviour." Omar Entiauspe-Neto, a taxonomist at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil and one of the paper's authors, earlier said that "playing seems like a pretty good answer" given how active dolphins are. However, behavioural ecologist Sonja Wild, who was not involved in the study, was not sure about the exchange. Given the strength of anacondas, she questioned whether the snake was dead or injured before the dolphins attacked it. She remarked, "This seems a little extraordinary out of all the things one could pick up," per the New York Times.
Express Tribune
10 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Canada pushes Mercosur talks to diversify global trade
Ecuador's Vice President Maria Jose Pinto, Paraguayan President Santiago Pena, Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino, Brazilian President Luis Inazio Lula da Silva, Argentine President Javier Milei, Bolivian President Luis Arce and Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi pose for a family photo at the Summit of Presidents of MERCOSUR, in Buenos Aires, Argentina (Photo: Reuters) Canada's International Trade Minister said on Thursday that there was interest from both sides to advance trade talks with the South American bloc Mercosur, as Ottawa seeks new deals in a push to diversify from the US. Prime Minister Mark Carney and his team have been locked in talks with US President Donald Trump to hash out a trade deal by August 1, which could help reduce tariffs on Canada. But his government is also preparing to rely less on a relationship that generated bilateral trade of over C$1 trillion ($727.33 billion) last year and to focus on diversifying trade by signing free trade pacts globally. "I had conversations with the foreign minister of Brazil, and there is an appetite to carry out conversations around Mercosur," Minister Maninder Sidhu said in an interview with Reuters. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had said in April that he was interested in advancing talks for a trade deal between South America's Mercosur bloc and Canada. Mercosur - which includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay - has had negotiation rounds for a trade deal with Canada in the past. Canada is also keen to continue talks with China to address trade challenges and views a thawing of relations between India and Canada as an important step to support trade, the Minister said. "With China, there are opportunities, there are challenges," he said, adding that the countries are holding frank discussions on a path forward on trade tariffs around exports of canola, beef, pet food and many other products. Canada has 15 free-trade deals covering 51 countries, giving it access to 1.5 billion consumers and Sidhu said that Ottawa will be pursuing more such deals in the coming months without giving a specific target. He had signed a free trade deal with Ecuador and an investment promotion pact with the UAE in his first two months in office and said discussions are on with the ASEAN countries and also individually with countries in the Indo-Pacific, including Indonesia and the Philippines. Sidhu said Canadian companies are over-exposed to the US and they are not as competitive as they used to be due to Trump's tariffs. "My job is to be out there opening doors," he said, adding that he would seek to diversify not only trade but Canada's defense procurements from the U.S. Carney has promised to increase defense spending by an additional C$9 billion this year to meet NATO's target of spending 2% of GDP. "We are working with the European Union and other partners around the world to help unlock some of those procurement opportunities in defense for our Canadian companies," he said. Canadian exports to the US dropped in May to 68% of total exports from a monthly average of 75% last year. The US share in May was the lowest on record as companies pushed to diversify from the US. He did not respond directly on what a trade deal between Canada and the US would look like, but said the government would "work towards a deal that's best for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers."
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
India sends 300,000 Measles and Rubella vaccine doses to Bolivia amid outbreak
New Delhi: India on Thursday dispatched a consignment of 300,000 doses of Measles and Rubella vaccines, along with medical supplies, to Bolivia to help the country deal with a growing outbreak of the disease. "India dispatched a consignment of 300,000 doses of Measles & Rubella vaccines along with ancillary supplies to support Bolivia in managing the outbreak of the disease. India stands by its friends in the Global South," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. The shipment arrives at a crucial time as Bolivia has declared a National Health Emergency due to a resurgence of measles cases in several areas. So far, 60 confirmed cases have been reported, according to Xinhua. "After urgently convening the National Strategic Council for Health Emergencies, in response to the measles epidemic that the country is experiencing and the high risk of the disease spreading, we have decided to declare a National Health Emergency with the firm intention of protecting the health and lives of the Bolivian people," Bolivian President Luis Arce Catacora announced on social media, as quoted by Xinhua. The emergency move aims to stop the virus from spreading through mass vaccination efforts and a coordinated response involving local governments, regional bodies, and international organisations. According to Catacora, this step will improve the country's response capacity, activate emergency protocols, and ensure that vaccines are available, especially for children under five. He urged the public to cooperate with health authorities and ensure full immunisation. "Our duty is clear: to protect our children and the entire population from a threat that has already raised health alerts across the continent," he said. Bolivia's Health Minister Maria Renee Castro also expressed concern, stressing the severity of the situation and the risks faced by vulnerable groups. "It is essential that parents get their children vaccinated. The country has 500,000 doses, specifically for girls and boys," Castro said, according to Xinhua. She added that measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, or even death, particularly among children with malnutrition or weak immune systems. According to Xinhua, the recent rise in measles cases in Bolivia has been linked to falling vaccination rates, disruptions in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation, and lack of continuity in prevention programmes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bolivian President Luis Arce Catacora on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where the two leaders reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation and explored new areas of partnership, especially in the field of critical minerals. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, "The two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation and expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved." They also discussed collaboration in trade and commerce, Digital Public Infrastructure and UPI, health and pharmaceuticals, traditional medicine, small and medium industries, training, and capacity building. "Both leaders recognized the potential for enhanced collaboration in the critical minerals sector and developing sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships in the field," the statement said. The MEA noted that both sides "expressed satisfaction over the ongoing development cooperation between the two countries, including through Quick Impact Projects and capacity-building initiatives under the ITEC scholarship programmes." Prime Minister Modi also conveyed India's support for the people of Bolivia following the deadly floods that affected La Paz and other regions earlier this year. "Prime Minister expressed solidarity with the people of Bolivia in the wake of the severe flooding that occurred in March-April 2025 in Laz Paz and several other parts of the country," the MEA said. He further congratulated Bolivia on joining the International Solar Alliance and extended greetings on the upcoming national milestone. "Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings to the people and Government of Bolivia on the occasion of the country's bicentennial celebration, marking 200 years of independence on 6th August 2025," the statement added. (ANI)
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Govt sends 300K Measles, Rubella vaccine doses to Bolivia amid outbreak
India on Thursday dispatched a consignment of 300,000 doses of Measles and Rubella vaccines, along with medical supplies, to Bolivia to help the country deal with a growing outbreak of the disease. "India dispatched a consignment of 300,000 doses of Measles & Rubella vaccines along with ancillary supplies to support Bolivia in managing the outbreak of the disease. India stands by its friends in the Global South," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. The shipment arrives at a crucial time as Bolivia has declared a National Health Emergency due to a resurgence of measles cases in several areas. So far, 60 confirmed cases have been reported, according to Xinhua. "After urgently convening the National Strategic Council for Health Emergencies, in response to the measles epidemic that the country is experiencing and the high risk of the disease spreading, we have decided to declare a National Health Emergency with the firm intention of protecting the health and lives of the Bolivian people," Bolivian President Luis Arce Catacora announced on social media, as quoted by Xinhua. The emergency move aims to stop the virus from spreading through mass vaccination efforts and a coordinated response involving local governments, regional bodies, and international organisations. According to Catacora, this step will improve the country's response capacity, activate emergency protocols, and ensure that vaccines are available, especially for children under five. He urged the public to cooperate with health authorities and ensure full immunisation. "Our duty is clear: to protect our children and the entire population from a threat that has already raised health alerts across the continent," he said. Bolivia's Health Minister Maria Renee Castro also expressed concern, stressing the severity of the situation and the risks faced by vulnerable groups. "It is essential that parents get their children vaccinated. The country has 500,000 doses, specifically for girls and boys," Castro said, according to Xinhua. She added that measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, or even death, particularly among children with malnutrition or weak immune systems. According to Xinhua, the recent rise in measles cases in Bolivia has been linked to falling vaccination rates, disruptions in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation, and lack of continuity in prevention programmes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bolivian President Luis Arce Catacora on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where the two leaders reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation and explored new areas of partnership, especially in the field of critical minerals. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, "The two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation and expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved." They also discussed collaboration in trade and commerce, Digital Public Infrastructure and UPI, health and pharmaceuticals, traditional medicine, small and medium industries, training, and capacity building. "Both leaders recognized the potential for enhanced collaboration in the critical minerals sector and developing sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships in the field," the statement said. The MEA noted that both sides "expressed satisfaction over the ongoing development cooperation between the two countries, including through Quick Impact Projects and capacity-building initiatives under the ITEC scholarship programmes." Prime Minister Modi also conveyed India's support for the people of Bolivia following the deadly floods that affected La Paz and other regions earlier this year. "Prime Minister expressed solidarity with the people of Bolivia in the wake of the severe flooding that occurred in March-April 2025 in Laz Paz and several other parts of the country," the MEA said. He further congratulated Bolivia on joining the International Solar Alliance and extended greetings on the upcoming national milestone. "Prime Minister conveyed his warm greetings to the people and Government of Bolivia on the occasion of the country's bicentennial celebration, marking 200 years of independence on 6th August 2025," the statement added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Kerolin hat-trick leads Brazil past Bolivia in dominant Copa America Win
Brazil's attacking duo Luany and Kerolin powered the defending champions to a commanding 6–0 victory over Bolivia in their second group-stage match of the Women's Copa America on Wednesday. Brazil lived up to expectations and controlled the match at Estadio Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda in Quito, Ecuador from the outset, with Luany opening the scoring in the 13th minute, smashing a powerful shot in off the crossbar from the centre of the box after a corner. The Atletico Madrid striker doubled her tally in the 32nd minute, pouncing on a rebound after the Bolivian goalkeeper spilled Kerolin's effort. She then earned a penalty that captain Kerolin calmly converted to make it 3–0 five minutes later. Kerolin came close to a first-half double but was twice denied by the woodwork, while Luany missed on her third, also striking the post early after the break. Brazilian great Marta came off the bench in the second half and set up Kerolin for her second goal in the 79th minute. The Manchester City forward then completed her hat-trick just four minutes later, finishing off another assist from Marta. 'Marta helps everyone not only Kerolin. But we have a group of at least six or seven players that can be leaders,' Brazil coach Arthur Elias told reporters. 'Marta played a great game as did some other players.' Things went from bad to worse for Bolivia, who were reduced to 10 players after Angelina Rivero picked up a second yellow card, before Brazil substitute Amanda Gutierres sealed the rout five minutes into stoppage time. Eight-time champions Brazil will face Paraguay on Tuesday as they look to build on their perfect start, having also beaten Venezuela in their opener. They currently top Group B, though 2022 runners-up Colombia are yet to play, while Paraguay and Venezuela each have a game in hand. 'It's the second game and in the first half we played well, but we needed to improve a lot,' player of the match Luany said. 'It's my first Copa America and being able to help my team is a dream. I'll work harder to be able to help them until the final.'
