Early Bird: Iran reportedly ceased negotiations with the USA. Cultural institutions and trade unions demand the same budget amount as last year.
The proposal for an immediate ceasefire between Iran and the United States reportedly collapsed. Tehran, in its rejecting response, presented ten own demands to end the conflict and immediately suspended negotiations, American media report. According to experts in the field, culture has been underfunded for 30 years. The current budget status, even after a 125 million crown increase for cultural activities, may result in approximately a ten percent decline in the budgets of individual organizations, according to their representatives.
Negotiations Between Iran and the United States Did Not Succeed
Iran broke off negotiations with the United States, report The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Tehran allegedly informed Pakistan, which is a main mediator in efforts to end the conflict. However, according to the Iranian pro-government newspaper Tehran Times, the channels for indirect negotiations with the USA have not been closed. U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated his threat that the USA would destroy all Iranian power plants and bridges if Tehran doesn't accept a deal by Tuesday that would personally suit him, wrote the portal Ceskenoviny.cz.
Culture Wants the Same Amount of Money as Last Year
Representatives of live and non-live arts and cultural unions are demanding the same budget amount as in 2025. They will call on Finance Minister Alena Schillerová and Culture Minister Ota Klempíř to negotiate. This was stated by Jiří Horecký, president of the Union of Employers' Associations of the Czech Republic, after yesterday's tripartite meeting on culture. This year’s state budget allocates 17.6 billion crowns for culture. Last year, the Ministry of Culture managed the highest amount so far of 21.52 billion crowns, informed the server Ceskenoviny.cz.
India Plans to Count All Its Inhabitants
India has initiated preparations for an extensive process of counting its population. This was initially delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and then by administrative issues. Over the next year, more than three million people will be going door to door, traveling across big cities and remote villages, to count every household and inhabitant of the country. The estimated population currently stands at roughly 1.4 billion.
For the first time in nearly 100 years, the survey will additionally include the local caste system. This is a rather controversial decision that some say could further deepen the division of Indian society, reported CNN.
Epidemic has killed over 100 children in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is conducting emergency vaccinations against measles and rubella. This is happening as they attempt to curb the ongoing epidemic, which has already killed more than 100 children in less than a month. A UNICEF representative meanwhile expressed deep concern due to the rising number of cases. According to official data, more than 900 cases of measles have been confirmed in this South Asian country with over 170 million inhabitants, reported AP.
Los Angeles Stadium Workers Threaten Strike Ahead of World Cup
The union representing approximately 2,000 food service workers at the Los Angeles stadium has urged FIFA to avoid U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement checks during the World Cup. Other demands from these employees include job protection and support for affordable housing, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Sources: AP, Al Jazeera, CNN, Ceskenoviny.cz
